The designs of the upcoming COUNTER in Vauxhall look very impressive indeed (see below). Coming from owner (and local resident Philip Reicherstorfer), the new brasserie takes up the entire length of an arch the arches under Vauxhall, over 200 feet long and will be able to fit 175.
What you need to know about COUNTER
There are two parts to COUNTER. There's the main "COUNTER" Brasserie restaurant and bar and there's also "BackCOUNTER" which will be "a smaller, versatile venue which will become part of Vauxhall’s gay village as well as being available for special events and private hire." Expect some live entertainment too.
The look they're promising for the venue is "Deco meets Disco" - which means it will "combine the heritage of Vauxhall’s historic reputation for pleasure-seeking" and feature "glittering antiqued mirrors and a palette of lacquered grey tones are highlighted with brass detailing and custom-made lighting and set against reclaimed teak floors."
As for food, it's an all-day affair with weekend brunch too. In the kitchen is Head Chef Dan Blucert, who's worked at The Big Easy in Covent Garden and The Stockwell in Colchester. On the menu, there's:
- Pork rillettes, sourdough, pickled vegetables (£7)
- Beefeater gin and lime cured mackerel, almonds, chard, cucumber, pear (£7.50)
- Cassoulet, confit duck, merguez, white beans, crusty bread (£15)
- Braised beef short rib, dauphinoise potatoes, caramelised chicory (£19)
- Buttermilk fried chicken, mash, creamed greens, chicken gravy (£12.50)
- Butternut squash hotpot, tomato, ancho chile, cornbread dumplings (£14)
- 4 Bone short rib of beef, mash, carrots, kale, condiments – for four to share
- Maple bacon brûlée, pumpkin seed biscuit (£6)
And, of course, drinks. The wine list will feature exclusively French and American wines, while classic and new cocktails and mocktails as well as selected craft beers are at the bar. Coffee is by Allpress Espresso, available for take-away and dine-in.
Counter opens 6 Feb 2015 at Arch, 50, 7-11 South Lambeth Place, London SW8 1SP. There's a soft launch offer of 50% off food until Tuesday 10 February if you book via their website. Back Counter opens 12 February 2015. Opening hours are Opening hours are Mon-Thur 6.30am-12.30am, Friday 6.30am to 1.30am, Saturday 8am to 1.30am and Sunday 8am to 12.30am. For more information, follow them on Twitter @eatatCOUNTER
